The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in New York

If you’ve struggled with unpaid bank fees or bounced checks, odds are that you’ve received negative marks in the ChexSystems database. And since most banks and credit unions in New York use the ChexSystems database to screen new accounts, getting a new account can seem almost impossible.

That is why so many New Yorkers turn to payday loans, check-cashing services, and other non-traditional financial alternatives. But there is another way.

There are banks and credit unions who want your business. They offer second chance checking accounts. Even if you’ve struggled with bad credit or have been flagged in ChexSystems. Some of these banks and/or credit unions have branches throughout the state, while others have online offerings with all the perks and none of the fees. Your banking past doesn’t need to dictate your banking future.

CheckingExpert has helped thousands of people just like you open second chance checking accounts. We’ve selected the best accounts in New York for 2020 based on acceptance rates, checking account features and benefits, and the accounts with the lowest fees. Best of all, you can open an account today!

The Best Second Chance Banks of 2020

BBVA Online Checking | Our Top Pick

BBVA Online Checking is our hands-down winner for the best second chance bank account for residents of New York. They have the strongest offering of any of our recommendations. No hidden fees, no monthly minimums, and no monthly charges. BBVA uses EWS to screen applicants instead of ChexSystems, so it’s easy to get approved and takes about 3 minutes. Plus, their smartphone app and online tools are the best we’ve reviewed.

Why do we recommend BBVA Online Checking so highly? If you’ve got poor credit or find yourself on ChexSystems, BBVA will approve you for an account.

NO monthly fees or service charges

NO monthly account balance minimums

NO fees at over 64,000 Allpoint® and BBVA ATMs worldwide

FREE online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits

FREE unlimited check writing

FREE Visa® debit card

Open with as little as $25

It’s simple to apply. The BBVA website is simple and easy to interact with. There is a $25 minimum deposit required to open an account. You’re online approval is immediate. BBVA is one of the most friendly banks for those who need a second chance at a checking account. The entire process from start to finish takes about 3 minutes.

Your BBVA Visa Debit Card allows you access to all BBVA ATMs and Allpoint ATMs. Allpoint ATMs can be found at these retailers and many more:

Chime Bank | Runner Up

Our runner up is Chime Bank and is another great checking account option. Chime doesn’t perform ChexSystems background checks and the account comes with lots of perks, including a debit card and transaction alerts, which allow you to track how much you’re spending and what your balance is throughout the day. It’s free to open an account and there’s no monthly maintenance fee or other hidden fees.

Another perk that makes this account stand out is that if you use direct deposit for paychecks from your employer, you can access that money two days sooner than you could with many other banks.

Though Chime doesn’t offer paper checks, users can still send checks to anywhere in the U.S. using the bank’s mobile app — which can also be used for making check deposits on the go.Open a Chime Bank account today!